cowgirl roots meets preppy fun

I am back!

2009-02-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

Our First Valentine's Day as a Married Couple

We now have internet at our house and I'm loving it!! My goal is to update this week-end. I've downloaded lost of pictures onto my computer and am ready to show them off.

A few Wedding pictures...

2008-11-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

I will write more about the events, but I thought you all might like some picutes!

House Pics!

2008-11-03T12:38:00.001-08:00

Laundry Room

Guest Room

Downstairs Space

Kitchen

Master Bedrooom

OUR FIREPLACE!!

Out of touch

2008-10-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I know that I have been a bad blogger lately. The wedding is over, we are making progress with the house and we are living at a house with no internet. That is why I haven't been blogging since the wedding. I have had a few days where I would have loved to, but no internet. I will work on getting some wedding pictures downloaded to share with everyone. Hopefully life will settle down here in a couple of weeks and I'll get back into the routine of keeping up with my blog as well as others.

Happy Monday all.

TIME!

2008-09-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

It is getting closer. We have about a month to go before the wedding. The house will not be done, so we are in the process of finding temporary housing. Some place that would rent on a month by month basis. I think that all the big wedding items are done. I will finish mailing out invitations this week and then work on thank yous from this last week-end shower. My school friends and church ladies had a shower for me and it was a lot of fun!

I am looking forward to having the wedding done and the house finished so I can have more time to blog.

Happy Tuesday all.

July 2007-2008

2008-07-29T18:05:00.001-07:00

It has been a year...the best year ever! Jeremiah and I celebrated our year "anniversary" this last week-end. The actual year to date was on Monday. Saturday evening we went to the production of Big River at the Black Hills Playhouse. It was the story of Huck Finn and it was a wonderful, the music, the costumes and the set. Sunday evening was nice and relaxing and on Monday Jeremiah gave me a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of a dozen roses. I gave him a give certificate for an hour massage. We did a lot of taking about all the changes that have taken place in the last year. From not even being interested in meeting each other to getting engaged and building a house together. I would not change the last year for anything and I am very excited to see what the Lord has planned for us in the years to come.
It was worth the wait.

It's Coming!!

2008-07-29T13:13:00.001-07:00

I've posted some photos of our house. It is really starting to take shape! I don't know that it will be all the way finished by October 11th, but we will deal with that later.

A picture of our loft

The stairs going upstairs to the loft, master bed and bath.

Kitchen and dinning room

My beautiful front porch!!

How I feel!

2008-07-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that it has been W.A.Y. too long, but life has been crazy the last month or so. Let's have a recap:

1. End of school (insanely busy)

2. Quick trip to Boise for bridal show (very fun)

3. Summer job started day after returning from Boise (9-5:30 M-F)

4. Summer class started same day as job (M-R 7-9)

5. Planning a wedding (3 months away)

6. Building a house (needs to be finished in 3 months!!)

BUT, class is now over and I am going to be finished with my summer job at the beginning of August(I'm happy for that), wedding plans are coming right along, and our house should be framed by the end of the week (Praise the LORD!). I should have more time to keep up with my blogging.

Check back often!!

I am still here!!

2008-06-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I am still alive, but crazy busy. I hope to post this
week-end...stay tuned for an update on my life!! Sorry for the
L-O-N-G stretch of silence!!

Enjoy!

2008-05-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Congrats!!

2008-05-20T15:02:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the family Miss Chloe. We are so excited you are here. My friends Josh and Alissa welcomed their baby into the world at the end of last week.

gloom, despair, agony on me...!

2008-05-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

The below picture is how I felt last night when I realized that something is very wrong with my Adobe photo progam. I downloaded some fun pictures of Jeremiah and myself, our concrete work on the house and a beautiful sunset that I viewed while driving home on Sunday night. I don't quite know what happened, but they are all gone off my computer (I deleted them off my camera before I realized that I didn't have them on my computer). I know that they are replaceable, it is just weird that they would vanish. Not only are they gone, but my computer says that it is unable to find my other pictures that have been downloaded for years. I put a call into my Uncle Tom and he will take a look at it in June when I am in Boise, but until then, I won't be downloading anything or even turning my computer on!!

So...Gloom, Despair, Agony on ME!!!

In 10 Years...

2008-05-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Every evening Cousin Jimmy, who is also living with Dave and Sally, and I sit on the couch. We watch tv and discuss the days happenings. It is quite the little routine we have gotten ourselves into. Well, the discussion last night, along with previous nights, has been his lenghth of phone conversations with his wife. He talks to Karen every evening for about 5 minutes or so. She lives in Casper, but will be moving to Gillette this summer...anyway. I have been giving Jimmy a bad time because they don't talk for very long and he doesn't seem to be too interested in what she is saying and his "I love you" is kind of weak. I told him last night that he needs to be better at his phone converstaion skills and really say "I love you" with some heart!
On the flip side, Jimmy gives me a bad time for stopping what I am doing at 9:00 everynight so I can talk to Jeremiah. He and I will talk sometimes an hour and a half in the evenings, not always, but sometimes. Jimmy says that wait until I have been married for 10 years...Jeremiah and I won't talk that long on the phone with each other anymore and the "I love you" won't be said as longingly as it is now. I disagree. I hope that we are even deeper in love and still have things to talk about.

Broom anyone?

2008-05-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

I should have ridden my broom to school today! I don't know why I have been so crabby today, but dang, I admit that I have been. It might be the rainy weather, lack of good sleep last night, the thought of having to pack my classroom up and move AGAIN! (I am moving to a school in South Dakota) we are behind on the construction of our house, Jeremiah has been stressed with that (I must feed off of him) who knows...I am hoping that tomorrow will be better. It will be Friday and there will only be 15 days of school left...but who's counting. : )

It's a shower

2008-05-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

The ladies at school gave me a bridal shower on Friday evening. We had a VERY nice time and they were extremely generous with gifts for Jeremiah and myself. We played some fun games and I laughed very hard...as you can see.

Enjoy!

Our House...at last!

2008-05-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Enjoy some of these pictures of our "house"! These are pictures of the hole and hopefully we will have our concrete done by the end of the week.

Cute Boy

2008-05-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

This little guy is Miah's nephew...my future nephew. We had a great time with him on Sunday evening. He makes us giggle. He loves his Uncle Miah, but who doesn't.

h.e.l.p.

2008-04-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I am in need of either some help or suggestions. Who out there knows how to get started in digital scrap booking. I'm not finding the time to sit down and actually scrap book, but I have most of my pictures on my computer and it would be so much eaisier (I think) to go digital. I'm not sure where to start or even look. If anyone knows, please let me know.

Thanks!!

dreams

2008-04-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

The past few nights my dreams have been like a ferris wheel. Sometimes they are "high", fun, happy dreams of what my wedding will be like with all my friends and family. Everything runs smoothly, everyone is happy and we all look gorgeous.
Other nights, they are "low", sad dreams when nothing is going how I planned. People aren't wearing the right clothes, their hair isn't fixed, men are wearing white socks with their tuxes...the list goes on. At one point last night in my dream, right after my dad walked me down the isle, Pastor Matt stopped the service and got my dad 3 tylenol and big glass of water. I couldn't believe it!
I know that it will probablly be like this until we are actually married.

I just wish I only had "HIGH" dreams!

AHHHHH!

2008-04-18T12:13:00.001-07:00

I had a real coke to drink with my lunch today. I hadn't had a "full bore" coke in sometime. I mostly stick to diet unless it is a Starbucks drink, then I only get skinny milk, but keep the sugar...I digress...The coke tasted W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L. I had forgetten how tasty the real thing is.

I hope everyone has a fully refreshing week-end!!

Go Tour

2008-04-15T14:44:00.001-07:00

Jeremiah and I were able to go to the Newsboys concter with some good friends last night. We had a great time. It was perfect timing for me. I was in need of a spiritual boost! They had a great gospel message and the music was wonderful!
One of the opening acts was NewWorldSon. I had not heard their music until last night and I really enjoyed them. One of their songs, the lyrics namely, really spoke to me.

Worry, oh what can I say
I've worried so much
I forget how to pray
Well, I'm down on the knees
And this is coming from my soul
Sweet Holy Spirit
Come make me whole

I get so caught up sometimes in my worrying that I really do forget to pray about it. What a good reminder!

I'm lovin' it

2008-04-11T13:49:00.001-07:00

I love Old Navy and am so excited when their new season lines come out! It has been awhile since I've been in an actual Old Navy store, but that is what online is for right?! : )
Brown is one of my favorite colors at present. It is actually one of my wedding colors...I digress. Anyway, I like to look and the feel of the above outfit and it is perfect for school or an outting with my Fiance!

still. sick.

2008-04-08T14:48:00.001-07:00

I am still fighting this nasty head cold! I finally went to the doctor yesterday and found out that I do indeed have a sinus infection and a double ear infection. He loaded me down with prescriptions and I am finally feeling some better. Although, one of the side effects is dizziness...YIKES!! I did make it through a full day of school today and my students appreciated that.

Happy Tuesday all.

It's 'snot' funny!

2008-04-03T13:58:00.001-07:00

I have been home sick the last two days trying to get rid of an icky head cold. I am back to work today. I feel better, but I have copious amounts of snot (I know, too much detail!) and an annoying cough. I found this old newspaper ad...too bad they don't make this anymore, I might be in the market for some!
Happy Thursday all.

Save the DATE!!

2008-03-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

You are invited to our wedding!
When: October 11th, 2008
Time: Evening
Where: Hot Springs, SD
More details to come, but please save the date!

It's Done!!

2008-03-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah signed the papers yesterday for our new construction loan!! I am very excited, but a little nervous. What a big step...it will be worth it though. Hopefully they will start digging next week and in 6 months we will have a happy little home to move into!!

Dancing with the Stars

2008-03-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

My folks are taking dance lessons. This started about 3 weeks ago. When classes first started they were on Sunday afternoons, which worked great because Jeremiah and I could go as well. They were later changed to Monday evenings and that doesn't work for us, but it does for mom and dad. This last Monday, my Aunt and Uncle happened to be visiting from Idaho, so they joined us. What a fun time we all had! I was able to go because I'm on spring break. Yes, I did take my new camera!

My New Toy!

2008-03-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah and I went up to Rapid City on Saturday (along with his brother and wife) and I purchased my new camera that I have been wanting for about a year now. It is the Canon Rebel xti. It has been fun to have a play with. I took it to dance class on Monday night...pictures to come soon...and I had a blast snapping pictues right and left!

i know, i know...

2008-03-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

I am well aware of the risk of being out in the sun without any SPF or laying in a tanning bed and the damage that all of the above can do to your body. I am also aware of the fact that tan fat looks better than white fat, so in the spring I do frequent the bed. I have been going for the last week or so. I bought the 3 month unlimited package as well as the enhancing lotion. I am under the impression that I may have gotten a little carried away with the "unlimitedness" of the whole deal. I came to that conclusion when I walked into school today and one of my kids asked if I had been to Mexico! :) Chip, our janitor, said, "WOW! You look like a lobster."
Spring break is next week and no, I won't be going to Mexico (darnit) but I will be spending a nice relaxing week at home letting my burn heal and knowing that it will turn into a nice tan in a couple of days...just in time to visit the bed again!

to do's...a long list

2008-03-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

What a great week-end that we had! We got some fun trail riding in on our 4-wheelers, hung out with friends, and talked about the wedding.
As the week starts I am looking at my much to do list:
1. mail taxes
2. hear back from bank
3. get ready for spring break
4. finish asking people to be in our wedding
5. think about a guest list
6. look through MORE bridal magazines
7. get ready for spring break

***YES, spring break starts on Friday afternoon, and I am super excited. I have BIG plans to get scrapbooking caught up and wedding plans started.***

Happy Monday all.

HOOKED!! Part II

2008-03-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

In my previous post I introduced you all to Pioneer Woman. The main story on her blog that got me hooked was "From High Heels to Tractor Wheels: A Love Story" It is kind of hard to navigate getting to the start of the story, so I've included directions on how to get to the start.

Once you get to PW's site, look at the top and you'll see a button for Monthly Archives. Click on that and then once that has loaded click on expand all months. That will give you a detailed list of postings. Scroll down to September 2007 and look for the 6th day: it will read, "The Night I Met Marlboro Man" Start there and just continue reading. You'll see that halfway through she changes the title to "From High Heels to Tractor Wheels: A Love Story" I guarantee you won't be let down on this lady as a writer. She will draw you in...just ask my mom! : )

HOOKED!!

2008-03-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

My BFF Ann is to blame for this..., this obsession that I have. She got me hooked on this blog that I can't stop reading. She had told me about her new finidings around Christmas, but I immediately forgot. I saw her a couple of weeks ago and AGAIN she reminded me of this Pioneer Woman site. I finally sat down and looked it up. I. LOVE. IT. I can't stop reading about this woman's life. My favorite posts have been the love story between her and her husband (Marlboro Man) He is YUMMY!! I can truly relate to some of her stories. She has totaly inspired me to start taking more pictures and "fixing" them on the computer. Now, I warn you, if you don't like someone who tells it like it is, you shouldn't read her site. If you do like someone who is down to earth and just puts it all out there for the world to read, then you too will like her.
She has a cooking section on her blog and I have printed off some of the recipies (sp?) I am excited to try them. My BFF Ann has tried them and they are delish!!

new purchase.

2008-03-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

This week-end Jeremiah and I made our first big purchase as an almost married couple. It was very exciting! We purchased a new four wheeler. Miah has one, but I don't and we have a lot of friends who ride a lot. I get tired of having to be a passenger and last week we discussed getting one for me and then Sunday we found what we wanted and in our price range. It looks just like the one in the picture. Happy Birthday to me!
Also on a fun note, we picked out paint colors for most of our house. We still need to find something for the loft and master bath. Along with picking out colors we looked at appliances. We are going to go stainless steel and.......I am getting the new Whirlpool front loading washer and dryer. I am super excited about my new washer and dryer. They will also be stainless steel.

Birthday Re-cap.

2008-02-27T15:49:00.000-08:00

I have finally entered my final year of my 20's... This birthday year is going to be a great one as well as one filled with A LOT of changes...building a house, getting married, moving - AGAIN! (I may be having another moving pary, stay tuned) I turned 29 on Monday, but celebrated mostly on Sunday with my family and Jeremiah. My mom has always made our birthdays special and because I live with them on the week-ends she followed through with our tried and true traditions: favorite meals and a little something special. After lunch on Sunday, mom, dad, Jeremiah and myself went to our first ballroom dancing lesson. VERY FUN. We all laughed and giggled at each other, but we were pretty good at the waltz by the time we left. I came back to Gillette on Sunday (as usual) empty handed from Jeremiah. My birthday kind of snuck up on him with getting ready to propose and everything, and he hadn't had time to get to rapid. Although, he did tell me what he wants to get me, so at least he has thought about it.
Monday turned out nice. My fellow teachers had coffee and some other little treats to help me celebrate.
All in all, it was a great birthday and I can't believe how much things can change in a year.

in the works.

2008-02-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

I still can't believe that we are engaged! It was a total surprise. We hadn't even shopped for rings or anything. Well, now that I do have a ring on m finger, it is time to start with the plans. It is amazing how many details there are to think about. We don't have a date yet, but it will be some time this fall. We, as some of you know, are building a house! Very excited about that as well. As soon as we get a start date from the bank then we will be able to set a date for our wedding. If anyone has any ideas, suggestions, good websites and the such,I am open to any and everything.
Happy planning!

not anymore.

2008-02-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

In my last post I wrote about how I was excited that this Valentine's Day was a real V-Day for me, no more singles awareness day any longer. Well, it truly was an amazing day. Our school party was a hit, but in reality, 5 year olds get excited about anything! I was finishing cleaning our room from our party about 2:20 this afternoon when I looked out my classroom door and saw my Jeremiah coming down the hall...shock! I wasn't expecting him at all. Great suprise. He had beautiful flowers and chocolate for me. We went out for an early supper and then headed to Starbucks. On the way to get coffee he hit play on the pick-up's cd player and one our favorite songs started (Big and Rich's Lost in this Moment). When he parked the pick-up and before we walked into Starbucks, he turned and looked at me and said very sweet words. I don't quite remember what they were all I heard was, "Will you marry me?" Yes, you read right, Jeremiah asked me to marry him and of course I said "YES!!" The ring is beautiful. He picked it out himself and if I were with him, I couldn't have done a better job. We haven't set a date yet, but it will be this fall sometime. I will keep everyone posted, trust me!

Singles Awareness Day...

2008-02-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

NOT anymore! The last few years when Valentine's Day has rolled around, I became very aware of how single I was. With all the commercials about flowers, rings, diamonds, chocolates and the list goes on. BUT, this year is very different. Jeremiah and I won't be able to spend tomorrow together, but we will see each other this weekend. I believe that we are going to a movie and supper, which is something we do a lot of anyway, but everytime it is fun and exciting.

Happy Valentine's Day all.

2008-02-12T13:37:00.001-08:00

The last couple weeks I have been CRAVING coffee in the mornings! If anyone knows me, you know that I am not a morning person at all, but I have been waking up around 5:50-6:00 just so that I can stop by Espresso Roundup on the way to work for my coffee fix. I know, I know, you are probablly wondering if I have lost my allegiance to Starbucks...No! There is only one in town and it is not close to my school. The next best thing is Espresso Roundup. Very tasty!

Music Tuesday

2008-02-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how old this song is, but it has been running through my head the last few days. I thought I would share. Enjoy!

LOVE this!

2008-02-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Gillette, my skin has become very dry. I love Bath & Body and all their fun scents, but I found this winter my skin is just icky! One of our teachers sells The Body Shop products and she gave me some body butter for Christmas. It is wonderful. My skin doesn't itch like it used to. I had used up all the body butter she gave me, so I put in another order last week and my supply came in today. I ordered the Brazil Nut...LOVE it.

2008-02-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying my time teaching in Gillette, Wyoming! Things happen here that make you shake your head and say to yourself, "only in wyoming!" Some of the "head shakers" this year are:

1. I had one little boy come into the classroom singing the theme song to Smokey and the Bandit. He knew the whole thing.

2. Where else does your entire room shake from the mine across the road blasting and the kids say, "must be a blasting day!"

3. A lot of my boys got BB guns for Christmas and when telling stories about getting to shoot them they clarify that they get to shoot their dad's EMPTY beer cans.

Everyday is something new to laugh about and appreciate. The kids and parents in my class are very sweet and helpful people.

Happy Week-end all.

2008-01-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a very restful day! It was the first week-end since Miah and I have been dating that we didn't have to be somewhere or do something. I was able to get a massage, we had a nice leisurely lunch, walked around downtown Custer to some fun little hometown shops and spent the evening with some friends. It was nice not to have to do anything. I'm afraid that will be the last relaxing week-end for awhile, but that is okay!

2007: A Great Year

2008-01-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

It has been a year since I've entered the "World of Blogging!" Thank you B.H. for helping me get started in this wonderful journey! I have loved every minute of it.
2007 was a year of growth and change for me. I accepted a Kindergarten job in Gillette, Wyoming in April, I finished and graduated with my Masters in Reading from BSU in May. I packed my classroom and house and picked-up and moved in June. I met Jeremiah in July!!! A new school year started in August; not only a new school year, but a whole new district, state and school. I started living in my little room at Dave and Sally's. August began the week-end drives back and forth to and from Custer. I ran my second marathon in October with my Aunt. Then comes the holiday season and of course it was a wonderful time!
That pretty much, in a nutshell, sums up my year. It was a good year, a hard year and a learning year, but the Lord really showed me Himself through everything! I am super excited to see what 2008 has in store for me as well as Jeremiah. We have some pretty exciting things going on for us this summer...More on that later...
Thank you to all who read. I have LOVED sharing my journey with you all, as well as being involed in your own personal journeys.

Here's to an "Ever Forward" 2008!

I'm Still Here!

2008-01-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Blogger friends. Sorry I have not posted in such a long time. It was crazy busy around Christmas and then New Years Day I broke a finger on my left hand that has left me in much swelling, pain and unable to type as fast as I would like to. It is getting better daily and I am wanting to post and comment in the next day or two.
Happy Wednesday everyone!!

A Tribute to my Grandma!

2007-12-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Mother Mayor Didn't Have to Run a Marathon

By Lorene Rasmussen Last year I had the privilege of introducing my mother to you through a holiday article called, Mother Mayor's Management Style. Many of you wrote back to us saying that you enjoyed the "heart warming" story and that it was a nice tribute to a woman who had obviously exhibited hope, passion, tenacity, and leadership. I shared in the earlier article that the holiday season was my Mother's favorite time of year and I still believe her drug of choice was pine scent and fruit cake. Her idea of an extreme sport was baking 15 different flavors of cookies and 10 varieties of homemade candy. Mom was magnificent, colorful, and quite authentic. She never went to college; she never wrote a book; and at the time of her passing, she didn't have a $1,000 in her bank account. Nonetheless, she raised 6 hard working children; owned a greasy spoon café, and stayed married to my father for more than 50 years. Mom had a passion for good food, good kids, and a good community. Mom was a big woman; she stood 5'8" tall, weighed well over 200 lbs, and her voice entered the room before she did. Mom accomplished everything she needed to without the aid of computers, iphones, or blackberries. She drove a big green Cadillac and always had a cigarette lit, which she used for dramatic emphasis when she needed to make a point. Mom's last paying job was mayor of my hometown, population 272. The community called her "Mother Mayor," a term of endearment, which followed her to the grave. One year, Mom was elected as Mayor by the write- in votes alone, but she declined the position in favor of the second place gentleman who was actually running for the position. When introducing mother to you last year, I mentioned she never ran a marathon; the truth is, she didn't have to! She passed away three years ago, but her memory ran every mile of training with me as well as the Marine Corps Marathon. The day I crossed the finish line, I desperately wanted to pick up the phone to say, "MOM, I Did It!" Even now as I am recovering from a torn calf muscle and a few secondary issues from the injury, I just want to talk to her. When you hurt, there isn't anyone in the whole world that can sympathize with you, like your own mom. Her memory will be ever present with me. Like I said, Mom didn't have to run a marathon to be a metaphor for leadership. Everything I learned during this past year through training, implementing, and execution, she knew instinctively. Mom wasn't perfect but the woman did know how to love people and manage projects and she did it straight from her gut, right through her heart. So with that said, let me share four of mom's attributes last year's readers found inspiring. Perhaps these attributes will help inform your leadership style, whether you are a hometown mayor, a small business owner, or someone who just needs to rethink some old principles in a new, down home way. Hope: Mom was a fairly optimistic person with a sense that things would turn out for the best. Originally, when she campaigned for the office of mayor she did so because our town's water system was running through 100 year old rusty and rotted pipes that couldn't keep pressure. The pipes needed to be flushed regularly so the drinking water wouldn't be brown. Being a responsible citizen and tired of living with nasty water, she believed that someone needed to be accountable for the drinking water before the state of Wyoming stepped in and took charge of the situation. Mom knew this project was unpopular with many of the townspeople because they thought that the water bill increase would be more painful then the unpleasant water they had grown accustom to. Over gallons of coffee, one cup at a time, Mom carefully took the time to communicate her hope for clean water and a new system that would hold the proper pressure. Tenacity: Being elected as mayor was only the first step of thousands required to obtain the brand new multi-million dollar water system. Mom was faced with learning a whole new skill set; understanding the idiosyncrasies of DEQ's rules and regulations, learning how to write bond applications, meeting with "real" politicians, and playing the mediator between small town needs versus big state politics. It was Mom's tenacity that kept her focused on the greater good when conflicts, details, and deadlines threatened to derail the project. Passion: Mom would not accept the myth that "there is nothing we can do about the bad drinking water." Her passion for doing what was right and creating a better community was far more important to her than her own comfort. Settling for status quo was not an option for her. (It seldom is for real leaders.) Leadership: Mom was accused of being bold! She would speak her mind, not mincing words, but I don't believe she was ever considered brutal, just truthful. Mom knew there was an urgency when she took office. She only wanted to be in office just long enough to accomplish what she set out to do. Consequently, Mom had to have the courage to take charge and make unpopular decisions regarding the details surrounding the water system and community pride. It's outrageous to believe Mom accomplished this multi- million dollar installation by herself. As a leader, she knew there were people she needed on board to accomplish the mission. She also knew there were others that would criticize her work the entire way. The dichotomy created between the cheerleaders and naysayers became the check and balance system that kept Mom on target, realizing the completed project. Mom's natural leadership style was not only demonstrated during public times but it was also apparent when she took the time to serve others in her home, just listening to their concerns. I guess if you can raise a house full of successful children, you have an understanding how to lead others. No doubt I have painted a picture of a woman that is "bigger than life." I admit I have "creative memories" that surround the details of my Mother. However, I believe even a legend can teach all of us essential principles of leadership. So why didn't Mom really run a marathon? Beside the fact they wouldn't allow her to enter the race with her Cadillac and a cigarette, Mother Mayor had a city to run, a water system to overhaul, and a family to raise. Since we are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season, perhaps this would be a good time for you to reflect on the people that made an impact on your leadership style and if possible, why not send them a thank you note this year. She asked me when the season of joy was suppose to end. I said I didn't really think there was an exact date. So we left the tree up until June that year!" ~ Brian Andreas, Story People

Early Christmas

2007-12-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

I was given an early Christmas gift on Saturday. Miah had a remote start put on my car. He was a little worried that it might not be "personal" enough, but I think it is very thoughtful and personal. He knows I DON'T like to be cold and, welll, it is cold and windy in Wyoming and since he can't be here to start my car in the mornings or after work, this was the next best thing. What a Sweet guy!!

Merry Christmas to ME.

Favorite Things

2007-12-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

This past week I was home sick with the flu for 2 days. I'm still trying to get over it, but that is beside the point. : ) While I was home I was able to catch-up on my t.v. watching and I happened to to see Oprah's Favorite Things episode...WOW! What I would give to be an audience member on that day. One of the items she gave away was a Kitchen Aide mixer. I don't bake a lot, but I've been doing more lately...Miah has a sweet tooth, anyway, I would really like to have one sometime. My mom has one and I enjoy using it. I like it too that it comes in many fun and different colors.

Ta Da!!

2007-12-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Here it is! We decorated the Christmas tree on Friday night. It was a fun time. You couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. It snowed all night Friday, but it was the fluffy kind. We ended up with about 8 inches. I hope we get some more at christmas.

O Christmas Tree

2007-12-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was just a lovely day! After church and a delicious lunch that my mom made, Miah and I went back up to Custer. We put on warm clothes, stopped and got hot chocolate and went out to hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. It is his job in his family for him to get the tree for his parents house, so we did. We went out into the Black Hill National Forest to the same area Miah went last year, a place that isn't too well known by many and found the cutest little tree. It is only about 5 feet, but it is truly perfect. I am excited to decorate it on Friday. Miah will go out sometime this week and chop it down. Hopefully I'll remember my camera on Friday so I can post a picture of the real thing.

Thanksgiving Day!

2007-11-26T14:09:00.001-08:00

The above picture is of our family on Thanksgiving Day. It was a great time of food, football and games! So much to be thankful for!!

What do you call Him?

2007-11-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

My beloved
My defense
My deliverer
My exceeding joy
My Father
My fortress
My friend
My glory
My God
My goodness
My help
My hiding place
My high tower
My hope
My hope in the day of evil
My judge
My King
My lamp
My love
My praise
My Redeemer
My refuge
My rock
My salvation
My Savior
My shepherd
My shield
My song
My stay
My strength and power
My strength and song
My strong refuge
My strong rock

2007-11-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

"Well, will you do me a favor then? Can you bring me my chapstick? ...But my lips hurt real bad!"

- Napoleon Dynamite

A little girl in my class, Hannah, came up to me today and asked if she could go to the nurse. I asked her why. She said, "Because my lips hurt real bad!" I laughed so hard. She didn't understand why I would be laughing, but dang she sounded like Napoleon.
I let her go.

Happy Be-lated Birthday

2007-11-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my nephew Jake. He was a year old last Saturday!! He is one cute baby.

'Tis the Season...Deer Season

2007-11-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Well it is that time of year. Deer season is in full force here. The below "song" is one of my favorites. We used to sing this song in high school and I'm sorry to say that I used to know ALL the words...(I'm bit of a redneck) Don't let that get around!! : ) If you aren't used to listening to a Northern accent, you may have a hard time understanding the words, but the point of the song is that these hunters from Wisconsin found a "thirty" point buck.
Enjoy.

One Week Ago...

2007-11-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

Ryan Shay died during the U.S. men's Olympic marathon trials on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 in New York. Shay collapsed about 5 1/2 miles into the race Saturday, and later was pronounced dead at a city hospital. His wife, Alicia (Craig) Shay, is a runner from Gillette. I live with Alicia's folks, Dave and Sally Craig.

Saturday was a very surreal day as I talked to Sally and found out that Ryan had died. At first I thought she was joking. How can it be true that one of the top athletes in the United States is dead? But the more she talked and I could hear the strain and tears in her voice that I knew it was true. My heart broke for the Craig/Shay family. I had met Ryan, right before he and Alicia got married and of course he and Alicia were usuallly a topic of converation at supper time. Talking about their different upcoming runs and of course the Olympic trials. The funeral is tomorrow afternoon and I can't imagine the grief that the new bride of 4 months is and will be feeling tomorrow and for along time to come.

Please keep this family in your prayers.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-30T19:55:00.001-07:00

I hope that everyone enjoys a nice evening of trick-or-treating (trunk-r-treating!) and that there is a nice variety of candy this year!! : )

I'm Back!

2007-10-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello blogger friends! I am back after some wacky last few days. I had a ton of work to get done before I left for Washington D.C. and on top of all that I got a nasty cold...CRAZY!! I just got back last night from a great trip and run. For those of you who don't know, I ran in the Marine Corps Marathon this last Sunday. I ran with my aunt. We had a lovely time. The weather was wonderful and I was happy with how the race went. I am still a little sore, but it gets better each day. The race route was beautiful. We ran through all the momuments, in a great park and then past the pentagon. I am glad to have it over with and am looking forward to working on a new goal. I am thinking maybe snowboarding. I have never tried that. Anway, I am back and hopfully I'll be better at keeping up on my postings.

Overwhelmed.

2007-10-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

As the Marine Corps Marathon draws closer, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. It is coming at a very bad time for me. I leave for the race next Thursday, but before I leave I have a big family/wedding week-end this week-end, 2 observations, a school carnival, report cards to get done, and other radom demands on my time. I truly am tring to take it a day at a time and not stress about it too much.

I am looking forward to going to Washington D.C. with my aunt and uncle and spending some nice time with them. Knowing that helps me get through the next few days!

Happy Monday Dad!

2007-10-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Roy Rogers Riders Club Rules:

1. Be neat and clean.

2. Be courteous and polite.

3. Always obey your parents.

4. Protect the weak and help them.

5. Be brave but never take chances.

6. Study hard and learn all you can.

7. Be kind to animals and take care of them.

8. Eat all your food and never waste any.

9. Love God and go to Sunday school regularly.

10. Always respect our flag and our country.

My Chains are gone!

2007-10-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

I had a great talk with my good friend "H" tonight and this song came to mind as we were talking. Sometimes I forget that my chains are gone.

Love you sister!!

** Love this version of Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin **

Fall Fun

2007-10-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night our small group got together for Bible study and a fall party. It was a wonderful time. We dined on some tasty chili, cornbread, pumpkin muffins and popcorn. After our study, we carved pumpkins. I haven't carved a pumpkin in a few years and I felt like a kid again. Of course T. H. is the only person I know who would carve a pumpkin with a power tool. It was a fun night filled with laughter and memories being made!

It does matter!

2007-10-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

I was given the "Nice Matters" Award by my good friend. She is one of those people that I was lucky enough to get to know and share life with, even if it was for such a short time. I do know that we will always be friends and have a connection even from far away. Miss you friend!!

I am passing the award on to my friend 5 Hearts. As a busy mom of three and trying to finish a 5, 000+ square feet house with her husband, she is kind enough to let me chat with her on my drive time home from work and even lets me crash at her house on short notice on a late nights. She has a willing and a "can do " attitude! Thank you T for your friendship!!

Foto fun!

2007-10-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

My brother and his family came this last week-end. Jason was doing a financal workshop at church and I got to "babysit." If you can call it that. It was Saturday morning and I had had a long week, so I put the baby down for a nap, put in a cartoon for the girls and fell asleep on the couch. When I awoke from my slumber, the cartoon was over the the girls were a little bored, so we painted toes and nails and took silly pictures. It was a fun time!

Thanks for letting me have some time with the kids J and L. Just let me know when you would like me to babysit again!! : )

How refreshing!

2007-10-03T19:00:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday afternoon I went through my purse and took out all of my credit cards (but one) and cut them all up. What a refreshing feeling!! My brother is a financial planner and counselor and has been helping me and giving me great advise to help me with a budget (such an ugly word sometimes.) He had talked sometime back about getting rid of my cards, but I just couldn't do it, but I just had an urge to do it on Tuesday. Okay, I didn't get rid of all them, I did keep one just in case! Baby steps right?

Excuse Me...Come Again?!

2007-10-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Laugh of the week and the weeks to come!

The other day in class we were working on the /K/ sound as in kite. Well, I sat down by my little Devon to work on this sound with him and pointed out the pictures on the paper. It had pictures of a kite, king, key, kittens and a few others that I can't recall. He took one look at the paper and said, "Oh, I like your titties!" My jaw dropped and all I could do was just look at him. He said again, "I have two titties." "I like to pet my titties." He then proceeds to point to the kitties on the paper and says, "I like that tittie the best?" Oh, you like kitties!! Of course!

I will be referring him to speech.

Every time I think about it I laugh hysterically.

Ew, Yuck!

2007-09-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

This last Friday as our day was drawing close to an end, I saw a little boy do one of the most disgusting things...he spit on another child!!! Not just a little spittle, but a full blow, all over the face, not once but twice SPIT. I drug his little 5 year old butt down to the office and he was out of the classroom for the rest of the day. I don't know what possessed him to do it and he couldn't even say why, but to me there isn't any good excuse for doing something like that. I'm hoping that our Monday will be a little better than Friday!!

There is never a dull moment in a Kindergarten classroom!!

What??

2007-09-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for the last 41/2 months for the season premier of my Thrusday night shows just to find out that "they" have double booked two of them. This has been my run down for the last few years:

My Name is Earl
The Office
Grey's Anatomy
ER

Well!, I am so ticked off that they have put The Office and Grey's on at the same time. Now I am going to have to learn how to record off one channel while I'm watching another channel.
How rude that ABC and NBC don't coordinate their shows and times a little better.
I tell you if I were a drinkin' girl... :)

Will wake-up for...

2007-09-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

One of the things I miss the most about living in a big city is my Starbucks! I would drive by countless Starbucks on my way to work out in Meridian and think nothing of it, but now I have to set my alarm extra, extra early to get my "fix." There is a stand-alone store here in Gillette, but way out of my way on the drive to school. I will trick myself into getting up early with a Starbucks coffee as my treat. In fact, I'm on my way to bed now so I can have my prize in the morning.

Night all.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

2007-09-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Fall is my absolute most favorite time of year. This past week-end my mom and I got to spend Saturday going through the Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon and enjoy God's beauty. I've included a Robert Frost poem entitled October. It just seems to fit this time of year and also it has been windy something awful here and it won't be long and the leaves will be all gone.

October

O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;

Tomorrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow.

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

one from our trees, one far away.

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes' sake, if the were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--

For the grapes' sake along the all.

Stinkin' Cute

2007-09-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

These are my two most favorite pictures that were taken this last week-end at Betsy and Trent's wedding. Oh, by the way, I did catch the bouquet...

ENJOY!!

DON'T FORGET!!

2007-09-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

I hear people sayin'. We Don't need this war.

I say there's some things worth fightin' for.

What about our freedom, and this piece of ground?

We didn't get to keep 'em by backin' down.

They say we don't realize the mess we're gettin' in

Before you start preachin' let me ask you this my friend.

Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?

To see your homeland under fire

And her people blown away

Have you forgotten, when those towers fell

We had neighbors still inside goin through a livin hell

And you say we shouldn't worry bout Bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

You took all the footage off my T.V.

Said it's too disturbin for you and me

It'll just breed anger is what the experts say

If it was up to me I'd show it everyday

Some say this country just out lookin' for a fight

Well after 9/11 man I'd have to say right.

Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?

To see your homeland under fire

And her people blown away

Have you forgotten when those towers fell

We had neighbors still inside goin' through a livin' hell

And we vow to get the ones behind Bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

I've been there with the soldiers

Who've gone away to war

you can bet they remember just what they're fightin' for

Have you forgotten

All the people killed

Yes some went down like heroes

In that Pennsylvania field

Have you forgotten

About our Pentagon

All the loved ones that we lost

And those left to carry on

Don't you tell me not to worry 'bout Bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

wedding week-end{s}

2007-09-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

This last week-end Miah and I made our way to Dupree South Dakota...in the middle of nowhere...for his bosses wedding. Jesse Studt and JoAnna Murray were wed on Saturday, September 8th, 2007 in a very nice ceremony. Although the weather was crummy the atmosphere was splendid. Saturday morning dawned cold, wet and windy. The wedding wasn't unill 6:00 in the evening, so all of us (Miah and his friends and myself) crammed into a 5th wheel trailer and hung out for the day. Nothing screams fun like stuffing 6 adults and 2 kids into a cramped space. No, it really wasn't too bad. The wedding dance was one of the best ones I've been to in a long time. Miah and I cut a rug and danced into the wee hours of the morning.
I'm looking forward to Betsy's Wedding next week-end that Miah is also in.
It is our month for weddings I guess.

Will we be sleeping?

2007-09-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

As I sat in church today and Pastor Matt read some verses in Romans (we are going through the book on Sunday mornings) I thought of this song by Casting Crowns. The message today was to take our Christian life seriously and know and heed that we are in a spiritual battle even if we choose to ignore that fact...it is very real. What we do as Christians truly does affect the body of Christ be it good or bad. The line in the song that says, "As we are sung to sleep by philosophies that save the trees and kill the children..." Think about that. How true is that, that our thinking is so screwed up that we care more for trees and plants than for a human? Where we spend eternity is very real. Pastor Adams used to say: There is a heaven, there is a hell, there is a hurry.

Please take time to listen to this song. It is 5 mintes, but really listen to the words and think about what is being said.

Will we be sleeping?

WIndy Wyoming and a triathlon.

2007-08-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the first few days of the new school year is over and I must say that I'm ready for the week-end. I forget from year to year how little the incoming kinders really know...not much! It will take a few days to get routine and procedures down, but once we get them we'll really start cookin'.

Anyway, I forgot how windy Wyoming really is. I've been standing out at recess duty the last few days and the wind just howls and the dirt flys and after 15 minutes I am sweaty and gritty. Nice.

Tomorrow morning I am headed out for my first triathlon. It is a team sprint race. There are three of us. Linda will swim 1/2 mile, Joyce will bike a 20K and I will run 5K. This is going to be a great time. Maybe it will be an annual event...hopefully!

A very happy Friday night to all.

The {f}PHAT Friend.

2007-08-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

The past few months I've been struggling with my body image. I know that at some time or another every female deals with these sort of "issues". Throughout last spring and then into the summer it seemed that everyone I was hanging out with was much smaller and skinnier then me and I felt like the "fat" friend. I started my summer trying to "diet" which just doesn't work for me...I even tried some diet pills. Not smart. Anyway as the summer progressed and as I ran more, I was able to drop a few pounds. I say all that to say this, I listened to a Beth Moore program that I borrowed from a friend and the subject was on the struggle of body image and trying to fit the image that the world wants us to keep or be.What a wrong way to think and in actuality we are in bondage to the world when we get caught up in that thought process.
When I find myself falling into that train of thought, I remind myself that I am beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of Christ. Psalm 45:11 says that the King is enthralled by your beauty. My desire is not to be in bondage to the world, but to know and keep in my heart and mind the way the Lord sees me and be satisfied in Him and by Him.

Hot Highway!

2007-08-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Miah and I have been keeping the highway hot between Gillette and Custer the last couple of weeks. Every free evening we have, we make the trek...about 2 hours. It has come to a stop this week though. I'm too busy with trying to get my room in order as well as being too tired.

We were finally able to get into our classrooms today. Most of the construction is done. Now we are just waiting for all the technology and new furniture to be delivered. What a fun time of year.

Night all!!

Summer is over.

2007-08-15T18:54:00.001-07:00

Well, summer is officially over. I started back to school last week with a writing and math workshop. This week and next are for new district hires orientation and then the kiddos come on the 29th. The school I'm going to be at is Rawhide Elementary and is a rural school. It is about 8 miles outside of Gillette. It is under some major construction and is "supposed" to be done by Monday. We'll see. When it is finished it is going to be great with lots of room and some of the newest technology available in our classrooms. I've included an older picture, but will post some newer ones as soon as we are in our classrooms.

Happy end of summer everyone!!

Yellowstone Fun!!

2007-08-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

I went to Yellowstone to meet up with some Boise friends this week-end. It was a flying trip, but very much worth it. I met up with Ben, Christy and Jen in West Yellowstone for some fun camping on Friday and Saturday nights.

Our Camp site at Rainbow Point. We were just getting up and around on Saturday.

A tasty breakfast that Ben made. He's a gr-r-r-r-r-eat cook.

Christy, Jen and myself at the bottom of Cayon Falls. It was a nice hike down to the bottom with about 400 stairs included on the trail!!!

At the bottom of Grand Falls. It was truyly beautiful. It makes me wonder how people can even believe in evolution. In fact, it takes more faith the believe in evolution than it does to believe in God!!

It was so fun to see you guys again! I can't wait till Christmas break for some more fun.

HMMMM...

2007-08-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

I took the quiz. I wasn't sure I liked the outcome, but with some thought, I think it fits me pretty well. I don't see myself throwing anything at anybody and I don't know if I think deeply about all aspects of my life. This analysis would be the extreme end of my personality.

Very interesting!!

You Are Rock

Powerful and overbearing, you intimidate people with your presence.
People know they can't push you around, and they respect that.
Deep down, you are calm, confident, and unmovable.
You take everything pretty seriously, and you think deeply about all aspects of your life.

You tend to feel smothered by paper people.

You don't mind crushing the spirit of a scissors person.

When you fight, you: Use all of your strength

If someone makes you mad: You're likely to throw something at them

Are You Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

This is why!

2007-08-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot of questions of why I have been lacking in my blogging lately. Are you out of town? Did you get a job? Have you lost interest? These are all questions that have been fired at me recently. The answer is "NO" to all of them! This is why I have not been blogging as much...

This is Jeremiah! Miah, as everyone calls him. We were set up a few weeks ago by some mutual friends and we have spent all our free time together and needless to say I haven't had the time to get to my computer as much as I used to!

So, my readers, this is why I have been lacking. Rest assured I have not gone anywhere.

Hog Wild

2007-07-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Stugis Motorcycle Rally doesn't start until next week, but the bikers are starting to come! Although all the signs say Sturgis, the rally is actually in all of the Black Hills. It is one wild time! It is one of my favorite times of the summer. All the bikers are here for a fun time and their bikes are LOUD and beautiful. The rally isn't really a family atmosphere because of the clothing or lack of...but it is something I would recommend everyone experiece just once.

And of course, what happens in Sturgis, stays in Sturgis.

I've been tagged!!

2007-07-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

4 jobs i've had:

Waitress

Park Ranger

Wildland Firefighter

Teacher

4 places i've lived:

KayCee, WY

Hot Springs, SD

Boise, ID

Gillette, WY

4 TV shows I like:

The Office

Greys Anatomy

Men in Trees

4 of my favorite foods:

Steak and Potatoes

Mexican

Guacamole

Hamburgers

4 Websites I frequent:

L.L. Bean

Blogs

Mrs. Pohlmeyer's Kinder Page

Old Navy

4 places i'd rather be right now:

Alaska

Europe

Floating a River

Camping

4 movies i love:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

G.I. Jane

Guys and Dolls

Gone with the Wind

tagging:

Leah

Angela

Michelle

relaxing...or trying to!

2007-07-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

As most of my readers know, I have spent the last week with my two little nieces. They were safely returned back to their parents on Tuesday evening and I was back home by Wednesday evening; and I've got to say that my butt is dragging!! It was a wonderful time, don't get me wong, but I had no idea how much energy it takes to keep up with a 2 and 3 year old.

With only one week left of my summer vacation, I am looking forward to getting some quality relaxing in. I'm not quite sure what that looks like just yet, but I know that it will involve finishing my book, a great bike ride, a trip to the Black Hills Playhouse and a few other fun things. Getting to spend time with my nieces and nephew has been a great highlight of the summer though!

Sunday song.

2007-07-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to this song a lot lately...I hope that you all enjoy it!

Fast Friends

2007-07-21T20:31:00.001-07:00

We have been having a great time having Jason and Leah's girls this week-end. On Friday my friend T. came over with her 3 kids. We played at the park, blew bubbles and then had a little BBQ. The kids played really well together and can't wait to see each other at church on Sunday. I caught them in a great pose while playing in the grass. Priceless! ( I had a hard time deciding what pic. to use, so I used both!)

Git-R-Done!

2007-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today was the first annual Redneck Rally in Edgemont South Dakota.

The parade was to start at 11:00, so we got the girls up and after we had eaten some breakfast, stopped at the store for some fruit snacks and juice, we were on the road by 10:30. It takes about 30 minutes to get over to Edgemont. We found a place to park, got out candy bags and waited for the parade to start. It was a few minutes late (mind you it was supposed to start at 11:00) and was OVER by 11:15!! It was hilarious! They had about 4 floats entered and then some poor unsuspecting vehicles that were just traveling through.

We left after the parade because it was such a hot day and the girls were getting a little bored. But some of the other events throughout the day were: lawnmower races, seedspittin' contest, chicken roping, and a melodrama " The Pony Espresso."

This was the first annual redneck rally and I hope it continues!

Enjoy the tips! You never know when they will come in handy.

TIPS FROM THE REDNECK BOOK OF MANNERS

1. Never take a beer to a job interview.
2. Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them.

3. It’s considered poor taste to take a cooler to church.
4. If you have to vacuum the bed, it is time to change the sheets.
5. Even if you’re certain that you are included in the will, it is still considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.

DINING OUT

1. If drinking directly from the bottle, always hold it with your fingers covering the label.
2. Avoid throwing bones and food scraps on the floor as the restaurant may not have dogs.

ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME
1. A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
2. Do not allow the dog to eat at the table no matter how good his manners are.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

1. While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be done in private using one’s OWN truck keys.
2. Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is not a waste of good money.
3. Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, as they tend to detract from a woman’s jewelry and alter the taste of finger foods.

DATING (Outside the Family)

1. Always offer to bait your date’s hook, especially on the first date.
2. Be aggressive. Let her know you’re interested: “I’ve been wanting to go out with you since I read that stuff on the bathroom wall two years ago.”
3. Establish with her parents what time she is expected back. Some will say 10:00 PM; Others might say “Monday.” If the latter is the answer, it is the man’s responsibility to get her to school on time.
4. Always have a positive comment about your date’s appearance, such as, “ya’ll sure don’t sweat much for a fat broad.”

WEDDINGS

1. Livestock, usually, is a poor choice for a wedding gift.
2. Kissing the bride for more than 5 seconds may get you shot.
3. For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cummerbund and a clean bowling shirt can create too sporty an appearance.
4. Though uncomfortable, say “yes” to socks and shoes for this special occasion.
5. It is not appropriate to tell the groom how good his wife is in the sack.

DRIVING ETIQUETTE
1. Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles; Even if the gun is loaded, and the deer is in sight.
2. When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires always has the right of way.
3. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
4. When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer.
5. Never relieve yourself from a moving vehicle, especially when driving.
6. Do not lay rubber while traveling in a funeral procession.

TWO REASONS WHY IT IS HARD TO SOLVE A REDNECK MURDER

1. All the DNA is the same.

2. There are no dental records

fun time was had by all.

2007-07-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

I left Sunday to visit my brother and his family in Denver and had a great time. We went shopping, had GREAT conversation, ate some wonderful food and played with the kids. Tuesday morning, B and T challenged me to a game of Candyland...I lost to a 2 year old.
Jason and Leah, you have a wonderful family! Your babies are so sweet and fun to be with.

My main squeeze...Jake!!

2007-07-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

I just spent 5 days with the most handsome red-headed hunk...my 8 month old nephew. He is so stinkin' cute! He may not be much of a talker, but he sure likes a good tickle and giggle. Jake, your growing up so fast!

Can't Wait!!

2007-07-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

In just 3 days I will be in Denver visiting my brother and sister-in-law and their babies! I am super excited to get to spend some much needed time with them. I know our time will be kept busy with the kids' age being 3, 2, and 8 months, but it will be fun to go swimming, to the park and of course SPOIL them. I am also looking forward to getting some great shopping in.

love it!

2007-07-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

I found this headboard on another blog site. Her husband made it and I think it is too neat! The colors are wonderful and I love the monogram letter on top. I wouldn't mind having one like it...someday.

I'm a sucker for this stuff.

2007-07-09T21:47:00.001-07:00

74%

Mingle² - Online Dating

I found this on my friends blog and had to take it right away!

BTW: the online dating icon came with the quiz...just to clear anything up! : )

Alabaugh Fire

2007-07-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night a fire caused by a dry lightning started right outside of Hot Springs. Hot Springs is in Fall River County which is the DRIEST county in South Dakota. I was able to get out on Hwy 71 before it was shut down and get some pictures. In all my years of fighting fire, this is one of the worst I've seen because of all the dry fuels and type of country it's in. This is also a very personal fire for me. My good friends lost everything...and I have a handful of other friends who have been evacuated and only have their houses left but no outbuildings or ranch left.

Everyone is in good spirits considering all that has happened.

God is good!!

All American 4th of July

2007-07-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

I had a very enjoyable 4th of July with my folks. It started off with a great 10K run with some friends, then on to our small town parade with some very interesting floats! After a nice long, much needed afternoon nap we went over to Crawford, Nebraska for a PRCA rodeo. After the rodeo, there was a great fireworks display over the rodeo grounds.

Mom and Dad enjoying the festivities

Some future cowboys sitting at the end of the trailer.

A beautiful sunset over the arena

Tasty Funnel Cake anyone?!

4th of July Celebration!!

On Thursday and Friday I went and helped some friends at their branding. It was a great time!!

Out of Service!

2007-07-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just a short note to all of those that I either talk with on the phone or text with, but I am out of service and will continue to be out of service for a day or so due to the fire. It has burned up a couple of the cell towers and the other one within reaching distance is being used by all the fire crews.

I have some great pictures from when it started last night that I'll get posted in a couple of days.
I hope everyone is having a restful Sunday!

Happy 4th of July

2007-07-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Pledge of Allegiance
I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,one Nation under God,indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Done.

2007-07-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

My folks and I headed back to Boise last Thursday to load up my apartment and classroom. It was nice to get that little chore out of the way, but at the same time, sad that I won't be calling Boise home. It was nice to touch base with some friends and faimly and I know that I will be back often to visit!!
I am looking forward to starting my new job in Gillette.

For all my girl friends!

2007-07-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … by Maya Angelou

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a youth she's content to leave behind ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a feeling of control over her destiny ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... how to fall in love without losing herself ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... How to quit a job, Break up with a lover, And confront a friend without ruining the friendship …

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... when to try harder ... and when to walk away ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... that her childhood may not have been perfect ... but its over ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... how to live alone ... even if she doesn't like it ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally …

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... where to go ... be it to her best friend's kitchen table ... or a charming inn in the woods ... when her soul needs soothing ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... what she can and can't accomplish in a day ... a month ... and a year ...

2007-06-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here's to you.

The broad-shouldered, the knock-kneed, the pigeon-toed, the

small-breasted, the wide-hipped, the long-waisted, the

short-legged, the stocky and the skinny. And yes, even the perfectly proportioned.

May you live long, enjoy desserts and never stop laughing.

Blisters heal. Muscles recover. Friendship lasts a lifetime.

High heels have their place in the very back of the closet. If you can run a mile, you can run a marathon. There comes a time when you really need to replace your sports bra. No, really.

Consider this. Only one person wins.

Everyone else should have a rockin' good time.

Yes, you can talk and run at the same time. Chewing gum is the hard part. A little chocolate goes a long way.

Be yourself.

I got this little reminder off the back of my "see jane run" tshirt. It has been a good reminder for me this week when I haven't wanted to get out and train for the MCM. My sweet mom has been going with me on some of the long runs and I keep reminding her that if she can run/walk a mile, she can run/walk a marathon...

Too Funny!

2007-06-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

I saw this cartoon and just had to post it! I hope you all get as much a kick out of it as I did.

what is with all the pink?

2007-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

The above question is what I asked myself tonight. I looked at some of the items that I have purchased in the last few weeks and they (all three) are pink. Now, I am not a lover of pink; it is such a girl color!! I am not and never have been a fan of girly things and now it seems that is all I have purchased... I do hope that it will not last. I'm sure it won't!! Everyone goes through phases. I am so excited to have my new Chacos and it will be fun to have such a bright color of shirt to wear with the new bracelet.